Every summer, my wonderful neighbor Susan showers me with more zucchini than I can use.

This Skillet Zucchini Parmesan is a warm, comforting dish packed with flavor and made entirely in one pan. Sliced zucchini simmers in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, then gets layered with savory marinara and plenty of melty mozzarella before being baked until bubbling and golden.

Skillet Zucchini Parmesan

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Shallot	1	Sliced
Garlic	3 cloves	Minced
Chili flakes	¼ teaspoon	Adjust to taste
White wine	¼ cup	Dry white wine
Heavy cream	1 cup
Parmesan cheese	¼ cup	Grated
Mozzarella cheese	2 cups	Freshly grated, divided
Zucchini	3	Sliced into ½-inch rounds
Marinara sauce	1 cup	Homemade or store-bought
Kosher salt	To taste
Freshly cracked black pepper	To taste

Instructions

1. Heat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Set a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the shallot, garlic, and chili flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and softened—take care not to brown the garlic.

3. Deglaze

Pour in the white wine and slightly raise the heat. Let it simmer, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat and cook until most of the wine has evaporated.

4. Build the Cream Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of the mozzarella. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky.

5. Add the Zucchini

Gently fold the zucchini rounds into the sauce, making sure each slice is well coated.

6. Layer and Top

Remove the skillet from the heat and spread the zucchini evenly. Spoon the marinara sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.

7. Bake

Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, lightly browned, and bubbling, and the zucchini is tender.

8. Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a hearty vegetarian main or a rich, cheesy side dish.